Who is a tinsmith and what does he do?
The tinsmith’s profession has ancient origins, dating back to the Bronze Age, when man learned to work metals. However, as we know it today, this craft began to develop from the 12th century, during the medieval period, in Europe.
In this period, sheet metal working began to be used for the construction of useful objects such as pots, pans and agricultural tools. Tinsmiths were highly specialized and used simple tools, such as hammers, shears and pliers, to shape sheet metal.
During the Renaissance, tinsmiths became skilled craftsmen who created sheet metal objects for aesthetic purposes, as well as functional ones. In the 18th and 19th centuries, sheet metal work spread throughout the world, with the arrival of the industrial era and the development of new technologies and tools for metalworking strong>.
Today, the tinsmith profession remains important for the creation and repair of sheet metal objects, and many tinsmiths specialize in specific areas of work, such as manufacturing of decorative elementsor the repair of roofs and gutters.
Today, in fact, a tinsmith is defined as someone who deals with the manufacture and repair of sheet metal objects and structures, such as roofs, covers, gutters, tanks, tubs and containers of various types. Tinsmiths can use various techniques to cut, bend, weld and shape sheet metal, including the use of hand tools, specialized machinery and computer modeling software.
When is it necessary to request the help of a tinsmith?
You can request the help of a tinsmith when you need to manufacture, repair or install sheet metal objects and structures, such as:
- If you need to replace or repair the roof of a house or building;
- To create a sheet metal covering for a veranda, porch or gazebo;
- If you want to replace or install new sheet metal gutters;
- To create or repair sheet metal tanks or tubs for water or other liquids;
- To create decorative sheet metal elements for the home, such as railings, gates, doors and windows;
- If there is damage or holes in an existing sheet metal structure, a tinsmith may be able to repair the damage or replace the damaged part.
In general, if you need to work with sheet metal, both to build new structures and to repair existing ones, the tinsmith is the right professional figure to contact.
What tools does the tinsmith use?
The tinsmith uses a wide range of tools and instruments to work with sheet metal. Among these are:
- Sheet metal shears: they are used to cut sheet metal to size;
- Bending pliers: they are used to bend and shape sheet metal;
- Hammers: they are used to beat and shape sheet metal, to create shapes and to carry out finishing work;
- Circular cutter: it is an electric tool that allows you to cut sheet metal with precision;
- Reciprocating saw: it is another electric tool that is used to cut sheet metal;
- Welding tools: include arc welders, wire welders, TIG welders and MIG welders. They are used to join sheet metal parts;
- Miter saw: it is an electric tool for cutting sheet metal precisely and quickly;
- Profile mold and shears: used to create complex shapes and sheet metal profiles;
- Rulers, compasses, squares: measuring tools for taking sheet metal measurements;
- Chisels, files, brushes and other tools for finishing and polishing the surface of the sheet metal.